Human Resources

August 7, 2023 by Amy Shanks

THREE IT HIRING TRENDS: SHAPING THE FUTURE

Attracting top IT talent has become a critical challenge for organizations across various industries.

In today’s competitive job market, finding and attracting top IT talent has become a critical challenge for organizations across various industries. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS), we specialize in IT and legal recruitment and have some insights to share regarding this growing demand. Here are what we believe are the IT hiring trends:

1. IT Hiring from Various Backgrounds and Industries

To access fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets, organizations are increasingly open to hiring IT professionals from non-traditional backgrounds and industries. By casting a wider net, SRS helps organizations find innovative talent that can drive business growth. We recognize the value of a diverse talent pool and actively seek candidates with unique experiences and transferable skills.

2. Towards A Holistic Candidate Evaluation

Beyond technical skills, organizations are increasingly emphasizing assessing candidates’ soft skills. SRS knows the importance of a comprehensive evaluation process. Therefore, we help organizations create candidate profiles that consider qualities such as adaptability, problem-solving, and communication. By evaluating candidates holistically, SRS ensures a better match between candidates and organizational culture.

3. Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion

The focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in hiring and retainment has emerged as a promising trend. SRS recognizes the importance of building diverse IT teams and actively promotes inclusivity. By seeking candidates from different backgrounds, genders, and cultures, organizations can create a more inclusive work environment that fosters innovation.

As companies strive to remain competitive in the digital era, Strategic Recruitment Solutions will continue to play a crucial role in helping them navigate the ever-changing landscape of IT. At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we have matched top companies with top IT talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. If you want to hire the top IT talent in the field or if you are an IT professional looking for your dream job, call us today at 888-366-6508.

May 16, 2023 by Amy Shanks

CONSIDERING A PARALEGAL CAREER? Here are Ten Everyday Legal Tasks You Should Know

In the past decade, the demand for paralegals and legal assistants has increased in the United
States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BSL), the outlook for paralegal talent is
projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all other
occupations.

In the next decade, the BSL predicts there will be an average of 45,800 job openings for
paralegals and legal assistants each year. Many of the job openings are expected to result from
the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or who exit the labor force (i.e.,
retire).

The paralegal profession is ever-evolving. Paralegal roles span various law and legal practice
areas. And due to a shortage of paralegal talent, legal firms, corporations, and governmental
agencies are finding it difficult to hire the required paralegal talent. Furthermore, finding the
right match for employers and jobseeker is time-consuming.

That is where legal recruiters can help. Legal recruiters find that perfect match between job
seekers and law firms while encouraging paralegals to continue to increase their skill sets.
If you are pursuing a paralegal career, being aware of your potential paralegal duties will help
you be a more valuable asset to your current employer and help you advance your career.

Here are ten legal tasks every paralegal should know:

1. Litigation

Litigation refers to the process of resolving disputes through the court system. Paralegals
must learn about the various stages of litigation, including pleadings, discovery, pre-trial
motions, trials, and appeals, to effectively support their attorneys in managing each case.

2. Pleadings

Pleadings are the formal written documents filed with the court to outline each party’s
claims and defenses. Key pleadings include the complaint, answer, counterclaim, and
reply. Paralegals often assist in drafting and reviewing these legal documents, ensuring
they are accurate and adhere to the rules of civil procedure.

3. Discovery

Discovery is the pre-trial phase during which parties exchange information and evidence
relevant to the case. Paralegals play a significant role in managing the discovery process,
which involves drafting and responding to interrogatories, requests for production, and
requests for admission.

4. Depositions

A deposition is a sworn testimony taken outside of court, where an attorney questions a
witness under oath. Paralegals may organize and schedule depositions, prepare deposition
summaries, and manage the relevant documents.

5. Legal Research

Legal research is identifying and retrieving information to support legal decision-making.
Paralegals must be familiar with various research tools, including legal databases like
Westlaw and LexisNexis, and be able to find and analyze relevant statutes, regulations,
and case law.

6. Brief

A brief is a written document that outlines a case’s facts, legal issues, and arguments.
Paralegals often draft, edit, and proofread briefs to ensure they are well-organized and
persuasive.

7. Motion

A motion is a formal request made to the court for a specific action or ruling. Common
motions include motions to dismiss, for summary judgment, to change the venue.
Paralegals must be familiar with the procedures and requirements for filing motions and
may assist in drafting the supporting documents.

8. Docket

The docket is the official schedule of court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and
other matters. Paralegals should be able to read and interpret the court docket. They will
be responsible for keeping track of important deadlines and ensuring filings are timely
and accurate.

9. Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a legal action must be initiated.
Paralegals must understand the applicable statutes of limitations for each type of case and
ensure all critical deadlines are met.

10. Billable Hours

Billable hours are the time spent on tasks directly related to client work and are used to
calculate a law firm’s fees. Paralegals must accurately track and record their billable
hours, ensuring that all their time working on a case is documented.

Strategic Recruitment Solutions has matched top companies with top paralegal talent in the Gulf
Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the
companies we assist. We are able to provide our clients with experienced, knowledgeable
paralegals and our job candidates with their dream jobs. Whether you are new to the legal
profession or an experienced paralegal who is looking for a new job opportunity, call 888-366-
6508 can let us help you today.

February 4, 2023 by Amy Shanks Leave a Comment

LEGAL TRENDS TO FOLLOW CLOSELY IN 2023

From advancements in technology to changes in the workplace, the latest legal trends are having a significant impact on attorneys and their clients. Here are the ones to watch in 2023:

Increased Collaboration

Law firms are now using much smaller offices than before the pandemic. This has led to more firms placing an emphasis on “collaborative workspaces.” This collaboration refers to expanding each attorney’s practice areas and how their cases are handled. The shift toward a more collaborative environment provides a learning environment for legal professionals and helps them reach cooperative breakthroughs.

Diversity & Inclusion

Achieving workplace diversity requires an inclusive and tolerant mindset, which is vital to a successful work culture. Diversity is more than a buzzword. Combining minds from various backgrounds creates unique and specialized solutions to problems.

The American Bar Association highlights the benefits of a diverse and inclusive workplace:

a rise in the quality of service
cost reduction
an enhanced reputation for the law firm
an improvement in departmental operations,
and increased contributions to organizational initiatives.

Document Automation

Technology has evolved, and mobile devices are so common that the stacks of boxes containing documents are now a thing of the past. Some law offices have chosen to go paperless as legal documents can be accessed on a phone or computer. Considering the dire predictions about Earth’s environmental future, we should expect to see more legal practices using automation technology to further reduce dependence on paper.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistance

AI stole plenty of headlines in 2022, from image generators like Midjourney that are uncanny in their ability to create an image from any prompt one could think of to AI chatbots that can write your cover letter for you. Automated billing, document storage, accounting, and practice management are all areas that will benefit from AI automation technology moving forward.

With data volume increasing, firms and corporate legal departments are using AI software to streamline data management. AI software solutions are also improving workflow, taking care of ordinary tasks unrelated to legal work (billing, e-mail, marketing) that chip away at billable hours.

Improving the Client Experience

Following a larger trend in business, the legal sector is becoming more client-focused. The candidate pools are experiencing a more diverse array of applications. These potential employees are invaluable to law firms that want to sustain long-term growth by providing better connections with clients from many walks of life, which increases the appeal of firms that champion diversity.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, we have matched top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Moreover, we focus on building long-term relationships with the companies we assist. Call us today at 888-366-6508. can help you find the best candidate to join your legal or IT team or aid job seekers in finding the most appropriate position for their talents.

October 20, 2022 by Amy Shanks

HOW TO PREVENT IMPOSTER SYNDROME IN YOUR LAW FIRM

The term ‘imposter syndrome” was first coined in 1970 by clinical psychologists Pauline Rose Clance and Suzanne Imes. It describes the experience of successful individuals who feel they are not deserving of their success. These individuals are constantly waiting to be exposed as “frauds.”

Although imposter syndrome is in every profession, it is particularly prevalent in high-pressure careers. This is likely due to the competitive nature of legal and medical jobs and the high expectations placed on lawyers and doctors to perform at a consistently high level.

Law Firms and Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can harm both individual lawyers and the legal profession as a whole. For individual lawyers, imposter syndrome leads to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, which may affect job performance. Additionally, this syndrome can make lawyers less likely to take risks in their practice or be innovative because they fear being exposed as “not good enough”. Imposter syndrome can also create a work environment where employees do not feel comfortable sharing initiatives or ideas, thereby stifling creativity and innovation.

Steps to Prevent

Creating a supportive work culture to combat imposter syndrome in the legal sector is vital. A positive work culture is one in which employees feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. One way to prevent this syndrome is to implement an in-house action plan. The action plan should be tailored to legal recruits and encourage positive work culture. Mentorship programs can also provide support for new employees who are struggling with trying to find their place and identity in a new work environment. Finally, by taking these steps, the legal profession can create a more welcoming environment for all incoming recruits and improve the turnover rate for prospects.

At Strategic Recruitment Solutions, your success is our success. Our reputation for client satisfaction results from our commitment to clients’ objectives and beyond. We are the legal and tech recruiting firm for top employers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Gulf Region. Our focus is on building long-term relationships with companies that employ the highest-quality professionals. Call us today at 888-366-6508. We can help you find the best fit to join a legal or IT team.

May 9, 2022 by Amy Shanks

HOW TO HIRE THE BEST CANDIDATES IN A LEGAL COMPETITIVE MARKET

Strategic Recruitment Solutions — Two tips to hire the best hire candidates

As discussed in our recent posts, market trends for the legal and IT sectors have transformed due to the pandemic. Despite job availability decreasing in some areas, Above the Law reports that the legal job market “is hotter than ever – with companies expanding and hiring at massive levels.” However, even with a hot market and more potential candidates than positions, some firms are reverting to their outdated and unproductive pre-COVID hiring practices, leaving roles empty that could otherwise be filled.

Want to avoid becoming obsolete as an employer in this brave new market? Here are two important things to consider:

Remain Candidate-Focused

Here’s the hard truth: It’s no longer about you. Your firm’s reputation is not the sole incentive for a prospective hire. You should start asking what you can offer the candidate, not the other way around. Ask yourself, what does your staff want: Bonuses? Perks? Child Care? Of course, they do. If you’re not offering an enticing hiring package, then the expectation of luring in star talent is nothing less than a wish, and an empty one, at that.

Common mistakes to avoid are all about communication: You’re not responding to candidates after they send a resume, or you refuse to follow up with an interviewee about their status or rejection. Trust us, the word will get out about your application and interview process, and you will continue to lose out on the rock star candidates in the future.

Your Lack of Engagement Will Hurt Your Chances for Hire

Your staffing organization works very hard for you, but all that effort is wasted if a lack of engagement with your agency costs you candidates. You’re busy, and we understand that. At the same time, taking longer than a week in the search process is pretty much guaranteed to make a candidate lose interest in today’s market. When jobs close, be sure you’re letting your agency know. Otherwise, it’s time and money down the drain.

At the end of the day, agencies like Strategic Recruitment Solutions (SRS), follow your firm’s directives, it’s easier for job seekers to choose another firm that will communicate with them quickly and consistently. After all, what works for our business works for your business.

At SRS, your success is our success. Our reputation for superior client satisfaction results from a tireless commitment to exceeding our clients’ objectives. We are the recruiting firm for top employers in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Gulf Region. Our recruiters will partner with you in searching for highly talented legal, management and technology hires. Furthermore, our recruiters will lend their industry knowledge, experience, tools, and technology to enhance your recruiting strategy. We have been matching top companies with top talent in the Gulf Region for over a decade. Our focus is on building a long-term relationship with your company. Call us today at 888-366-6508. We can help you find the best candidate to join your legal or IT team.